Handling system for interlocking cover boxes

ABSTRACT

A load handling attachment for the vertically adjustable support unit of a lift truck. The attachment includes a vertical positioning plate horizontally adjustable forwardly and rearwardly in overlying relation to the platens by a pantograph mechanism or the like. The positioning plate mounts a vertically adjustable carton cap engaging blade for a gripping interlocking with the load and a locking of the load to the positioning plate for a manipulation of the load in conjunction with the positioning plate relative to the lifting platens.

United States Patent [191 Anderson, Jr.

[451 May 27, 1975 1 1 HANDLING SYSTEM FOR INTERLOCKING COVER BOXES [75]Inventor: Seymour Clarence Anderson, Jr.,

Hartsville, SC.

[73] Assignee: Sonoco Products Company,

Hartsville, SC.

[22] Filed: Mar. 26, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 344,775

[52] US. Cl 214/514; 214/653 [51] Int. Cl 360p 1/02 {58] Field of Search214/514, 653,654, 510,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Blatz 214/653 Stanley214/653 Brudi 214/514 Primary Examiner-Albert J. Makay Attorney, Agent,or Firm-C. Gordon McBride [57] ABSTRACT A load handling attachment forthe vertically adjustable support unit of a lift truck. The attachmentincludes a vertical positioning plate horizontally adjustable forwardlyand rearwardly in overlying relation to the platens by a pantographmechanism or the like. The positioning plate mounts a verticallyadjustable carton cap engaging blade for a gripping interlocking withthe load and a locking of the load to the positioning plate for amanipulation of the load in conjunction with the positioning platerelative to the lifting platens.

4 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEUHAYZTIBTS 1885,6923

SHEET 2 FIG. /0 30 HANDLING SYSTEM FOR INTERLOCKING COVER BOXES Thepresent invention generally relates to lift trucks, and is morespecifically concerned with the provision of an attachment for thesupport unit of a lift truck which greatly facilitates the handling ofloads, including both the introduction of the load to the support unitand the discharge of the load therefrom.

It is a primary intention of the invention herein to provide a systemwhich constitutes a significant improvement over known systems,particularly those developed in recent years. As examples of the stateof the prior art, attention is directed to US. Pat. No. 2,993,610wherein a pantograph controlled push-off plate is provided over theplatens or fork members. Another example of prior art activity is U.S.Pat. No. 3,200,978 wherein carton top engaging lift hooks are providedwhich function so as to constitute the actual lift or support means forthe load in conjunction with a back rest support.

Such known systems have, in some instances, been found to be inadequateboth from the standpoint of facilitating the loading of cartons and thelike, and, in the case of the top supporting hooks, providing adequatesupport without the introduction of damaging handling stresses to theboxes and/or the contents therein.

In order to overcome the above objections. apparatus has been devisedwhich is particularly adapted to bandle interlocking cover or folded capcartons, or cartons with flaps so folded to provide a lifting lip.Basically, this apparatus includes a horizontally adjustable pusherplate mounted over the platens with the pusher plate including avertically adjustable load engaging blade mounted thereon. Thus, thepusher plate can be extended outward to the load, the blade adjusted soas to engage beneath the cap, the load, normally a capped carton, tiltedslightly upward and slid rearwardly onto the platens after which theblade is slightly retracted downward from its upward lifting position soas to transfer the entire load to the platens for a lifting andtransporting of the load, now freely sitting on the platens or forks inan unstressed condition. Upon arrival at the site of discharge, thelifting blade is fully retracted and the positioning plate extended inconjunction with a rearward withdrawal of the platens for a simplifieddischarge of the carton.

Appropriate variations in the basic concept are also contemplated withinthe scope of the invention. For example, the gripping blade can beinverted on the positioning plate so as to selectively engage the bottomcap of a carton for a rearward drawing of the carton onto the platens orfork members through a retraction of the positioning plate. By the sametoken, the gripping blade can be mounted on a vertically extensible mastmounted on the positioning plate so as to accommodate substantialvariations in carton heights. Finally, multiple gripping blades can beprovided for engaging each of several stacked cartons for a simultaneousmovement of the stack as a unit.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the attachment of the invention mountedon a conventional lift truck;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are extended and retracted sectional details through thegripping blades;

FIGS. 4-11 sequentially illustrate the utilization of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom mounting of the gripping blade;

FIG. 13 illustrates a mast mounted gripping blade; and

FIG. 14 illustrates the use of multiple gripping blades.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 20 isused to generally designate a conventional lift truck incorporatingforwardly extending vertically adjustable support platens or forkmembers The attachment or accessory which comprises the instantinvention is generally designated by reference numeral 24 and consistsbasically of a horizontally adjustable vertically oriented positioningplate 26 overlying the fork members 22 and a vertically adjustable loadengaging or gripping blade 28 mounted on the positioning plate 26.

The positioning panel 26, which may be solid as illustrated, or of alighter weight framework construction, is mounted for horizontaladjustment between a forward position overlying the forward edges of theplatens 22 and a rear retracted position sufficiently inward so as toappropriately accommodate a load on the platens. This mounting of thepositioning plate or panel 26 is, while not limited thereto, preferablyeffected through the utilization of scissor link lazy tong assemblies orpantograph mechanisms 30. Two such assemblies will normally be providedwith the opposite ends thereof mounted in a manner so as to accommodatethe necessary vertical adjustments thereof as the assemblies 30 areextended and retracted. As an example, the end links can be pivotallyaffixed to collars 32 vertically slidable on support rods 34 affixed tothe rear face of the positioning panel 26 and uprights 36 on the frontof the lift truck 20. These uprights 36 can be, as illustrated, mountedon T-brackets 37 extending from the fork carrier 39, and oriented so asto enable the conventional lateral adjustment of the forks for theaccommodation of loads of different width. The pantograph mechanisms 30are to be actuated for a power extension and retraction by appropriatepower means, for example, double acting hydraulic rams 38 supplied andcontrolled from the conventionally provided hydraulic system on the lifttruck itself. It will of course be appreciated that other power meanscan be utilized to effect a stabilized controlled movement of thepositioning panel 26 between the extended and retracted positionsthereof.

The load engaging or gripping blade 28 will generally be in the natureof an upwardly directed chisel edged hook positioned just forward of theupper edge of the positioning panel 26 and mounted for verticaladjustment relative thereto in any appropriate manner. As one example,the blade 28 can be provided with a panel edge engaging U-shaped cap 40which seats over the upper edge of the panel 26 for vertical slidingadjustment thereon through the action of a double acting by draulic ram42 affixed to the rear face of the panel 26 with the upwardly projectingrod 44 thereof engaged with the rear flange of the blade cap 40. Theforward flange of the cap 40 will slide within a recess in the frontface of panel 26 so as to provide for a continuous or planar surface.FIGS. 2 and 3 are of particular interest in illustrating the blade 28 inits downward retracted position and in its upward cap engaging extendedposition. If desired, a greater range of different height cartons can beaccommodated by providing a notch in the upper edge of panel 26 toenable a lowering of the blade 28 below that illustrated. Such a notchwill be similar to that illustrated in connection with the inverted formof the invention shown in FIG. 12.

As previously indicated, the load to be handled by the attachment of theinstant invention will normally be what is known in the art as aninterlocking cover or folded cap carton 46. In such a carton, the topand bottom caps 48 have the peripheral edges thereof interfolded withthe end edges of the box itself with, in most instances, a retainingstrap or band 50 locked peripherally thereabout substantially asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this manner, the blade 28 can be slidupwardly between the strap folded cap and edge flange interlock and thebody of the box itself. Should the carton be of the type incorporating aflap-formed lifting lip, the blade 28 will similarly engagetherebeneath.

It should be appreciated that the function of the load engaging blade 28is not to elevate and constitute the sole support for the carton 46. Onthe contrary, the blade 28, upon engagement beneath the carton cap 48,merely upwardly tips the carton sufficiently so as to allow theintroduction of the leading or forward ends of the fork members 22 withthe blade 28, through the retracting positioning panel 26, pulling thecarton onto the fork members 22 which in turn will support the load fromthe bottom thereof in a stable nondamaging manner.

With reference to FIGS. 4 through 11, the preferred operating sequenceof the apparatus of the invention will be noted. Initially, the box orcarton 46 is approached and the platen or fork members inclinedslightly. The pantograph mechanisms are extended so as to place thepositioning panel 26 adjacent the box with the gripping blade 28immediately below the interlocking cap 48. The power mechanismassociated with the blade 28 is then actuated so as to move the bladeupward under the cap into gripping engagement therewith, the liftingmovement of the blade continuing until the edge of the box is raisedslightly for an accommodation of the leading ends of the fork members 22without damage to the base or bottom edge of the box. The pantographmechanisms are then retracted and, through the cap engaged blade, thebox or carton is pulled onto the fork members. During the retraction ofthe pantograph mechanisms, the truck can be maintained stationary ormoved forward for a cooperative action with the mechanisms 30. Onceproperly positioned on the load supporting fork members, the blade willbe slightly lowered or retracted downward so as to shift the entire loadto the fork members while still, if so desired, retaining sufficientengagement between the blade and box cap so as to stabilize the load andprevent a shifting of the load on the fork members. The carton can thenbe elevated on the forks or platens and transported in the conventionalmanner. When the box is to be unloaded, the positioning panel 26 isextended simultaneously with a backing off of the truck 20. As thecarton moves off the fork members, the leading lower edge thereof restson the support, for example, a lower previously positioned carton, andthe load engaging blade 28 is completely disengaged and the cartonsmoothly positioned.

In the above described sequence, it will be appreciated that the onlylifting effected through the carton cap is a slight raising of one edgeof the carton so as to facilitate an introduction of the fork or platenmembers.'The full weight of the elevated carton is supported directly onthe fork lift members so as to provide a stable nondamaging support ofthe carton and its contents.

Several variations are contemplated within the scope of the inventionfor the accommodation of varying circumstances as might be encounteredin the loading of cartons of varying configurations, sizes or the like.With reference to FIG. 12, the gripping blade 28 can be inverted andmounted on the lower edge of the positioning panel 26 for engagementwith the bottom cap of a carton. In this arrangement, it is alsocontemplated that the blade 28 be sufficiently adjustable so as toengage and disengage with the cap. As illustrated, the lower edge ofpanel 26 may be notched so as to allow greater upward movement of theblade 28 should this be necessary for the proper engagement anddisengagement of the blade 28. It will be appreciated that, in theinverted position, the gripping blade 28 will provide no liftingfunction, but merely act as a means so as to engage the carton andrearwardly draw the carton onto the platen or fork members upon aretraction of the pantograph controlled positioning panel 26.

FIG. 13 illustrates a variation wherein the upwardly directed grippingblade, herein referred to by reference numeral 52, is mounted on avertically extensible mast 54 affixed to the positioning panel 26 andcontrolled for vertical adjustment relative thereto in any appropriatemanner, such as through the utilization of a hydraulic unit 56. Theprovision of the gripping or load engaging blade 52 on an extensiblemast 54 enables the accommodation of cartons of differing heights, themast merely bringing the gripping blade 52 up to the height required soas to engage beneath the top cap of the carton involved regardless ofthe height thereof. The apparatus functions in the manner of the basicapparatus insofar as the loading and unloading procedures are concerned.

Finally, FIG. 14 illustrates the concept of utilizing multiple grippingblades 58 and 60 mounted in vertically spaced relation to each other forindividual verti ca] adjustment in any appropriate manner for theaccommodation of superimposed loads, for example both upper and lowerstacked cartons as illustrated in FIG. 11. In other words, the uppergripping blade 58 will engage the top cap of the upper carton while thelower gripping blade 60 will engage the top cap of the lower carton. Inthis manner, both cartons can be simultaneously stabilized and movedonto and off of the fork members as a single unit. While only twovertically aligned gripping blades 58 and 60 have been illustrated inFIG. 14, it will be appreciated that this basic concept can be extendedso as to provide for any reasonable number of vertically spaced bladesfor the accommodation of an equal number of superimposed cartons or thelike.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that a unique system hasbeen devised for use in the loading and unloading of capped cartons orcartons having flap-formed lips, onto and off of lift truck fork membersin a manner which specifically avoids damage to either the carton or itscontents with the carton, when loaded, being bottom supported in astable manner directly on the load supporting fork members or platens.

I claim:

1. Load handling apparatus for a vertically adjustable lift trucksupport unit including a rear truck engaging portion and horizontalsupport means projecting forwardly therefrom and terminating in aforward edge selectively introducible beneath a load to be supported;said apparatus comprising a positioning panel overlying said horizontalsupport means and projecting vertically thereabove; means mounting saidpositioning panel for horizontal movement over said support meansbetween a first forward position adjacent the forward edge and a secondposition sufficiently rearward of the forward edge to accomodate a loadon the horizontal support means between the positioning panel and theforward edge; power means for effecting movement of the positioningpanel between the first and second positions thereof; load engagingmeans on said positioning panel selectively engageable with a load for acontrolled movement of a load with the positioning panel relative to thehorizontal support means; means for effecting a vertical adjustment ofthe load engaging means relative to the positioning panel; and said loadengaging means having an upwardly directed blade engageable beneath atop cap upon vertical adjustment of said blade whereby the carton can beboth gripped and upwardly tipped and the load can be selectively drawnonto and pushed from the support means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including a vertically extensible mastmounted on said positioning panel, said blade being mounted on said mastfor vertical adjustment therewith for the accommodation of cartons ofvarying heights.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 including a second upwardly directed blademounted on said positioning panel in vertically spaced relation to saidfirst mentioned blade for the accommodation of a second carton instacked relation to a first carton engageable by the first mentionedblade.

4. Load handling apparatus for a vertically adjustable lift trucksupport unit including a rear truck engaging portion and horizontalsupport means projecting forwardly therefrom and terminating in aforward edge selectively introducible beneath a load to be supported;said apparatus comprising a positioning panel overlying said horizontalsupport means and projecting vertically thereabove; means mounting saidpositioning panel for horizontal movement over said support meansbetween a first forward position adjacent the forward edge and a secondposition sufficiently rearward of the forward edge to accommodate a loadon the horizontal support means between the positioning panel and theforward edge; power means for effecting movement of the positioningpanel between the first and second positions thereof; load engagingmeans on said positioning panel selectively engageable with a load for acontrolled movement of a load with the positioning panel relative to thehorizontal support means; means for effecting a vertical adjustment ofthe load engaging means relative to the postioning panel; and said loadengaging means having a downwardly directed blade engageable with abottom cap to permit a carton to be gripped and laterally moved inconjunction with the movement of the positioning panel, whereby the loadcan be selectively drawn onto and pushed from the support means.

1. Load handling apparatus for a vertically adjustable lift trucksupport unit including a rear truck engaging portion and horizontalsupport means projecting forwardly therefrom and terminating in aforward edge selectively introducible beneath a load to be supported;said apparatus comprising a positioning panel overlying said horizontalsupport means and projecting vertically thereabove; means mounting saidpositioning panel for horizontal movement over said support meansbetween a first forward position adjacent the forward edge and a secondposition sufficiently rearward of the forward edge to accomodate a loadon the horizontal support means between the positioning panel and theforward edge; power means for effecting movement of the positioningpanel between the first and second positions thereof; load engagingmeans on said positioning panel selectively engageable with a load for acontrolled movement of a load with the positioning panel relative to thehorizontal support means; means for effecting a vertical adjustment Ofthe load engaging means relative to the positioning panel; and said loadengaging means having an upwardly directed blade engageable beneath atop cap upon vertical adjustment of said blade whereby the carton can beboth gripped and upwardly tipped and the load can be selectively drawnonto and pushed from the support means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1including a vertically extensible mast mounted on said positioningpanel, said blade being mounted on said mast for vertical adjustmenttherewith for the accommodation of cartons of varying heights.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 including a second upwardly directed blade mountedon said positioning panel in vertically spaced relation to said firstmentioned blade for the accommodation of a second carton in stackedrelation to a first carton engageable by the first mentioned blade. 4.Load handling apparatus for a vertically adjustable lift truck supportunit including a rear truck engaging portion and horizontal supportmeans projecting forwardly therefrom and terminating in a forward edgeselectively introducible beneath a load to be supported; said apparatuscomprising a positioning panel overlying said horizontal support meansand projecting vertically thereabove; means mounting said positioningpanel for horizontal movement over said support means between a firstforward position adjacent the forward edge and a second positionsufficiently rearward of the forward edge to accommodate a load on thehorizontal support means between the positioning panel and the forwardedge; power means for effecting movement of the positioning panelbetween the first and second positions thereof; load engaging means onsaid positioning panel selectively engageable with a load for acontrolled movement of a load with the positioning panel relative to thehorizontal support means; means for effecting a vertical adjustment ofthe load engaging means relative to the postioning panel; and said loadengaging means having a downwardly directed blade engageable with abottom cap to permit a carton to be gripped and laterally moved inconjunction with the movement of the positioning panel, whereby the loadcan be selectively drawn onto and pushed from the support means.